Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the East Coast’s regional mall, is undergoing a multimillion-rand refurbishment.

“The revitalisation of the megamall, which has been something of a trailblazer in the local retail space since it launched 21 years ago, will give the centre a whole new design aesthetic,” says Old Mutual Property Retail head Ahmed Kazi.

The two-phase upgrade begins with the transformation of the Great Hall around Gateway’s entrance axis. This will be followed by the rejuvenation of the centre’s two adjacent vaulted wings.

Phase one includes a triple-volume faceted glass façade around the main lifts, a new geometric tiling design and curved organic ceiling bulkheads.

Gateway GM Feysel Potgieter says work has started on the first phase, but will pause for the festive season.

Phase two, which will focus on the adjacent wings, will also be completed in 2023.

Sustainable practices and intelligent technologies within the new Great Hall will pave the way for Gateway to embrace future retail trends.

“Our strategy is based on the three Rs of sustainability – namely reduce, reuse and recycle. We believe that to create a space for people to enjoy and to ensure future value for the community, we cannot compromise. Materials and finishes have been sustainably sourced or made from recycled materials. We have also repurposed the existing natural stone in the mall,” Potgieter explains.

To propel Gateway further into the digital age, energy-sensitive lighting and electronics will be used. This approach will extend to operational components such as sanitary ware, escalators, lifts and air conditioning chillers, aligning Gateway with Old Mutual Properties’ national commitment to sustainability.

Gateway is currently one of the 100 biggest malls in the world and the third largest in South Africa. The shopping complex – which will not be extended during this latest upgrade – measures over 176 000 m².

“We will be doing everything possible to ensure our customers continue to enjoy their experience during these refurbishments and are very proud to be able to continue to improve our customers’ journey throughout the mall,” says Potgieter.